Pakistan’s oil tanker operators issued an ultimatum on July 23, giving the federal government 72 hours to address their demands or face a nationwide shutdown.
Representatives announced the warning at a joint press conference and said the Ministry of Petroleum and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority would bear responsibility for any resulting disruption to fuel transportation.
The association demanded the immediate withdrawal of the commercial loading policy, arguing that it had created operational and financial difficulties for tanker owners and contractors.
Association representative Abidullah Afridi said freight rates for oil tankers had remained unchanged for three years despite higher fuel, maintenance and operating expenses.
Read: Goods Transport Strike Threatened Over Daily Fuel Pricing
The transporters also claimed that toll charges on the motorway and the National Highway Authority had increased by 180%. They demanded a corresponding revision in freight rates to cover the additional cost. The reported toll increase represents the association’s claim and has not been independently verified.
No nationwide strike had begun as of the announcement, and the association did not disclose the exact time at which the 72-hour deadline would expire.
The warning came amid wider opposition from transport operators to the daily revision of petroleum prices. Dumpers Association President Haji Liaquat Mehsud said frequent changes could disrupt fares, construction work and the movement of essential goods.
Petrol rose by Rs6.39 to Rs327.12 per litre on July 23, while high-speed diesel increased by Rs7.83 to Rs375.04 per litre under the daily pricing mechanism
